DOWD — David Dowd, 71, died Aug. 4.Some people were just meant to be fathers. Dave was a hands-on dad: he’d pack up his clan and head to Beaver Valley Campground and Lake Nockamixon where they’d hike, fish, paddle boat and just generally enjoy the great outdoors. “Don’t shoot your eye out” and “Let’s keep it under 100 mph” were some of his fatherly nuggets of advice. If he bought something for his family it was always top of the line. Safety was paramount: he’d look into how many house fires an appliance caused before he bought.
On the way out of high school Dave headed straight for Army Airborne training. He’d later make his career as a technician for Unisys. He was an expert shot from days in the military and kept up his skills at the Atglen sportsman club. If he wasn’t there you’d probably find him in a field flying remote controlled planes.
He grew up in the same neighborhood as his late wife, Stephanie, but never really noticed her until he returned home from the army. They’d marry and be blessed with two children: Daniel (Kristen) and Christine (John) Jillard and four grandchildren: August, Kadence, Teagen and John (David was their best babysitter!) He is survived by two brothers, Michael Dowd and Anthony John Gundrum.
Services were held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Interment Lake Park Cemetery. Tell a great story about Dave at lifecelebrationstuio.com.
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COLES — Jeff Coles, 51, died Aug. 22. Jeff’s job as Chief Financial Officer for Monroe Twp. and Swedesboro were serious positions. His abilities and a degree in economics from the University of Delaware opened the door to those jobs. But when he could exit from the office he enjoyed the great outdoors. Several times a winter Jeff could be found snowboarding in the Vermont Mountains. The other seasons he kayaked and camped in several state parks. Jeff bowled at Woodstown Lanes with several teams.
Jeff is survived by his parents, Beverly and Lewis of Bridgeport, two sons both Eagle Scouts, Michael and Jason, of Logan Twp., Brothers Lewis (Judy) and Mark (the late Ellen), sisters Faye (Michael) Jones and Diane Branco (the late Thomas). Services were held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Leave a great story of Jeff at lifecelebrationstudio.com Donations to the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd. Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.
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ROSS — William L. Ross, Sr., 77, died Sept. 21. Volunteering was just part of his nature. Whether he was serving as umpire for Little League (much to the dismay of Bill Jr.) or was fighting fires as a member Woolwich Fire Co. Bill always put service to his community first. He was a life member of the fire company and for years served as deputy chief. He did maintenance for the Turnpike and kept things humming. But when he retired he got to kick back in his recliner. Remote in hand, he’d be yelling at the screen whenever a ball was dropped or a pit stop took a little too long. Like his dad and grandfather before him he was a member of the Reutter Gun Club. Bill never got a deer but was known to plink the occasional tree. Once he was proud to tell the family he got a Woodchuck: they all cheered. If sports weren’t on his TV Bill was probably checking out the History Channel. A young Bill would meet Ann Batten. They’d marry and be blessed with 3 children: William Jr. (Michelle), Judy Riek (David) and Jodie and 4 grandchildren: Stephanie and Erica Ross and Allison and Joe Riek. He is also survived by a brother, David. Services were held at DALEY LIFE CELEBRATION STUDIO, Swedesboro. Burial Eglington Cemetery. Donations to the Woolwich Fire Co, 1517 Kings Hwy., Swedesboro 08085 will be appreciated. Tell a great story about Bill at lifecelebratiuonstudio.com.
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BULLOCK — Robert H. “Bob” Bullock, 74, of Satsuma, FL passed on Sept. 25, 2014 at the Roberts Care Center surrounded by his family. Bob was a resident of Bridgeport for 35 years. Bob was born in Philadelphia. He worked for Chemical Leaman Tanks Lines, Bridgeport for 35 years and Baker Petrolite, Eddystone, PA. for 10 years before retiring to Florida.
He is survived by his wife Betty Bullock of Satsuma, FL, Robert of Pitman, Dawn Stenberg of Melbourne, FL, Robin Mosher of Sewell, David Bullock of W. Columbia, SC, Frank Bullock of Raleigh, NC, 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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KULISEK — Margaret E. Kulisek, age 94 of Woolwich Twp. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Laurel, MD, she has resided with her daughter for the past five years. Coming from Morningside MD she was a former School Bus Attendant in Prince Georges County, Maryland and a homemaker. She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish who enjoyed her family, traveling, bingo, fund raising, people, animals and life.
Margaret was the wife of the late Gerald Lee and was predeceased by her daughter, Maureen, and her cat, Charlie. She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Beverly and Stephen Sheckler, with whom she lived. And her brother, George E. Chaney.
Funeral services were held at the CHEEGA FUNERAL HOME, Swedesboro. Contributions in her memory to Samaritan Hospice, 5 Eves Drive, Ste 300, Marlton, NJ 08053 would be appreciated. Share memories at www.cheegafuneralhome.com .
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CHILA — Peg Chila, 48, died Sept. 29. She had a boat when she was a little girl called the “can do.” It became Peg’s motto. Whenever there was a problem, you could count on Peg being around. Seems she was unable to cook single portions: when people were laid up she’d coordinate the effort to bring meals to everyone. Of course Peg wasn’t always the greatest cook. Some of her earlier efforts included taking dough to a priest for a blessing and coating her entire kitchen in flour.
Peg also loved the great outdoors. She started out small with a tent but eventually had every gadget imaginable in her Pop Up. If she was going for a week she was sure to pack enough for at least two or three months.
Peg found it hard to stay strangers with anyone. Within 10 minutes of meeting people, she would already be trading inside jokes. Turned out her family was much larger than she thought; all the kids called her Aunt Peg. When it came to fundraising Peg was all in, especially if it had to do with Epilepsy. She was proud that her sons share her love of helping others: Dom is a newly licensed nurse and Mike spends his time reassuring others who struggle with seizures.
A young electrician was working on a project at the Moorestown Mall. Peg was going to be working at the store when completed so she was always peaking in to check on the progress. Pretty blue eyes, a blue dress and matching blue shoes made all the workers swoon, but it was Joe Chila who got her attention. He’d give her his number at the completion of the job. That night she’d call. After learning some of the finer points of marrying into an Italian family (gravy not butter on your linguini) they’d exchange nuptials and settle in Woolwich Twp. They purchased “this old wreck” and spent the next year with Joe’s family fixing it up.
She is survived by her father, David Hynes, her sister, Kathy Mayo; her second set of siblings: Dan and Sue Chila, Vern and Mary Chila and Roseanne and Vince Lombardo, and many nieces and nephews. Services were held at DALEY LIFE CELEBRATION STUDIO, Swedesboro. Donations to the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeastern P.A., 919 Walnut Street Suite 700, Philadelphia, PA 19107 will be appreciated
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MORLEY — Dolores Morley, 76, died Oct. 3. You can take the girl out of South Philly but you can’t take the South Philly out of the girl. Dolly was independent and cared for everyone else’s needs before she ever thought of herself. The first question you heard coming through her door was “did you eat?” She once chased a granddaughter down the street with a plate of food, knife and fork: eating wasn‘t an option.
As a nurse’s aide she worked plenty of double shifts at Kennedy Hospital in Washington Twp., but when the time came she would get “sick” and head to the casinos with her friends. It’s no coincidence that several have closed since she became sick. If she couldn’t get a fix at the casinos, rub off lottery tickets would have to suffice. Dolly may have been a little superstitious; you’d find her tossing some salt over her shoulder or seeing signs from people who passed away.
She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Quigley (William); grandchildren, Kristie Scipione, Cassidy Quigley and William Quigley III; great grandchildren; Bailey and Morgan Caven, a brother, Ray Whelan, sisters, Mary Irons and Virginia Krusha and her dog, Blizzard. She was pre deceased by her dear son, Joseph Morley.
Services were held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery.
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MUSUMECI — Filomena (Phyllis) Musumeci, nee Canzanese, age 88 of Woolwich Twp., passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 3.
Born in Camden, she resided in Woolwich Twp. for 68 years. Phyllis was the daughter of the late Remo and Rosaria Canzanese and the wife of the late Renard Musumeci Sr. She was an inspector for the former Tel-Dyne Wirz Co. in Swedesboro and retired in 1978. She was a member of St. Clare of Assisi Parish, a member of the Washington Club in Penns Grove. A homemaker who loved her family, loved to cook and her favorite room in the house was her kitchen. No one left her home without getting something to eat.
She is survived by her children, Angela (George) Anastasia, David (Jeanette) Musumeci and Renard Jr. (Joanne) Musumeci, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Her sister Felicita Vespe and was pre-deceased by her siblings, Mary Martinelli, Tecla Musumeci, Silia Azzari, Edward and Ugo Canzanese.
Interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Woolwich Twp. Contributions in her memory to the Food Bank c/o of Kings Things, 1404 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ 08085 would be appreciated. Share memories at www.cheegafuneralhome.com.
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BRIGANDI — Pauline C. Brigandi, Mullica Hill, age 83, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Oct. 9. Born in New Castle, PA she has been a resident of Mullica Hill for 62 years. Pauline was the school nurse for Harrison Township Schools for 25 years. She enjoyed bowling, was an avid reader and what brought her the most joy was spending time with family and friends.
Beloved wife of the late Carmen Brigandi, devoted mother to son Stephen M. Brigandi, daughters Barbara S. Brigandi and Patricia L. Brigandi, loving grandmother to Traci M. LaRocca (Chris), sister of Mary Yoworsky, Helen Petkovic (Michael) and Alexandra VanDelft. She was loved by many nieces, nephews and two step daughters, Kathleen & Nancy.
Burial at Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro. Memories and condolences can be shared at www.smithfhmantua.com.
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MOORE — Carol E. Moore (nee Haase), 63, of Mickleton, passed away Oct. 9. She is the beloved wife of James E. Moore, Sr., mother of Dawn Moore, predeceased by James E. Jr., grandmother of Ryan and William, sister of Pat Haase, Debbie Szovati, Jackie Hampton, Joanie Mazzenga and Lorrie Gortowski.
Carol enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, the shore and bingo
At the family’s request, please send donations to the Heart Association, 1 Union St., #301, Robbinsville NJ 08691. To share memories visit www.landolfifuneralhome.
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FITZGERALD — Eileen T. Fitzgerald age 61, of Mullica Hill, died on Oct. 10. Eileen was a deeply family and friend oriented woman who had a big heart and a witty, dry sense of humor. She was always there for the ones that she loved. She will be remembered by her friends and family as a loyal, loving, supportive and endearing woman.
Eileen spent over 30 years as a dedicated English teacher for West Deptford High School. In her free time, she loved being with friends and family, hanging on the beach, reading, listening to music, cheering for the Phillies and she never met an animal that she didn’t love.
Eileen will be missed and deeply treasured by all who knew her. Family Beloved daughter of the late John H. and Jean A. Fitzgerald (nee D’Alessandro); dear sister of John R. (Janet); loving aunt to John L. Fitzgerald and Jenna L. Walker (Steve).
Donations may be made in Eileen’s name to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjude.org. Tributes & memories may be shared atwww.mcgfuneral.com.
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KHEANG — Kimly Kheang, 17 of Woolwich Twp., was surrounded by family and friends as she passed away after a courageous battle with leukemia on Oct. 8. She was born on May 26 1997 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
She is survived by her parents, Wood Kheang and You Pea, and younger brother Mike Kheang, and grandmother, An Kheang.
Kimly grew up in Philadelphia during her youth and moved to Woolwich Township when she was 10 years old. She was a senior at Kingsway Regional High School where she enjoyed studying, getting good grades, and playing lacrosse. She loved spending time with her dog, Heath, and cherished the moments that she could spend with family. Kimly was creative, funny, and had an infectious personality that made anyone who met her instantly connect with her. Her family, friends, and anyone who knew her will dearly miss her.
Please send donations to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in memory of Kimly Kheang. Go to www.giftofchildhood.org and click on ‘donate now’ button in the upper right corner of the page. Checks can also be sent to PO Box 781352 Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352. Burial at Eglington Cemetery located at 320 Kingsway Highway Clarksboro.
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FERRELL — Nellie Ferrell (nee Heppard), age 93 years of Mullica Hill died Oct. 15 in Shady Lane, Clarksboro.
Mrs. Ferrell was born and raised in Paulsboro and after her marriage lived in Clarksboro for several years until moving to Mullica Hill 16 years ago. She was a member of the Mullica Hill Senior Citizens Club, Eight Bells Card Club and a past member of the Billingsport United Methodist Church. Nellie enjoyed bowling, baking and cooking and playing Bingo with her friends.
She is survived by her children, Betty Early of Florida, Herb Sr. and Theresa Ferrell of Paulsboro; nine grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren. Mrs. Ferrell was predeceased by her husbands, Nelson Beakley and Herbert F. Ferrell; her daughters, Peggy Ann Hickman and Darlene Mae Carney; her grandson, Robert Early; six sisters and two brothers.
The Funeral Service was held at the MCBRIDE – FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, 228 W. Broad St., Paulsboro. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Monday after 10 AM until service time. Interment Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro. Memories can be shared at www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.
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TUCKER — Debra L. Tucker (nee Ferrell), 55, of Swedesboro, passed away Oct. 16. She is the beloved wife of Michael J. Tucker, loving mother of Angel Rivera, cousin of Dorothy Raroha, aunt of Patrick Merrill, survived by her best friend Kevin Grau and her devoted companions Mason and Lillie.
Debra loved to dance, enjoyed reading and was known as the “Coupon Queen”.
Please send donations, in Debra’s memory, to the Kingsway Baptist Church Building Fund, 744 Kings Hwy, Mickleton NJ 08056. To share memories www.landolfifuneralhome.com.
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SMITH — Helen J. Smith nee (Davis) age 81, of Mullica Hill, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 12. She was in her home, surrounded by family.
Helen was born to Eli and Jessie Davis nee (Flanigan) on Nov. 8, 1932 in Camden. Beloved wife of the late Paul L. Smith. She dearly missed her husband and was looking forward to joining him in eternity. Also predeceased by her brother Harold Davis and sister Lois Van Syckel.
Helen played the piano, sang in the choir, she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years at St. Paul’s Evangelical Bible Church in Pennsauken, N.J. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren’s athletic endeavors and listening to their musical talents. Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, baking, gardening and boardwalk strolls.
Survived by her two sons and their wives Craig L. Smith (Karen A. ) of Williamstown N.J. ; Kevin P. Smith (Jane F.) of Mullica Hill; six grandchildren Christopher J. Smith and wife Elizabeth; Stephanie A. Long and husband Michael; Jenny L. Weidner and husband James; Abigail H. Smith; Alexander J. Smith and wife Leah; Allison A. Lisa and husband Daniel; seven Great Grandchildren, Caleb; Naomi; Hudson; Ruby; Anna; Hadleigh; Ara; two sisters Betty Gandy; Dorothy Rush and her husband Marvin.
The family requests contributions be made in her memory to either Restoration Church, P.O. Box 27695, Philadelphia, PA 19118 or SIM USA Inc., Missionary Support for Percy & Carol Valiente, P.O. Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241. Memories can be shared via the website, www.ellisstiefelfuneralhome.com.
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SCHMIDT — Rudolf Schmidt of Mullica Hill, passed away peacefully on Oct. 23 at the age of 87. A strong willed and caring gentleman, Rudolf was devoted to his family. Taking care of his home and tending to his vegetable garden is where you would find him spending his time. He also enjoyed watching the Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers and in his younger years, playing tennis and bike riding.
Born in Wilscut, Germany, Rudolf came to the United States in 1951. He was a longtime resident of Gloucester County and prior to retiring worked at Langston in Cherry Hill, NJ for 25 years.
Beloved husband of the late Agnes (nee Senges); devoted father of Barbara (Jim) Kerasiotes and Harry (Trish) Schmidt; cherished grandfather of John, Stephanie, Alex, Keith, and Kelsey.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Greater Chapter NJ, 400 Morris Avenue Suite 251, Denville, NJ 07834 or American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305. Tributes and memories may be shared at www.mcgfuneral.com.
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FOLKER — Edward Folker, 43, was known during his years in high school as the class clown and both for his wits and looks many called him Jay Leno. His early years were spent playing touch football in his front yard on High Hill Road. Sophomore year of high school changed his life forever: Eddie bought a guitar, learned a few notes. The rest is history. He was in several area bands, but he also wrote and composed; his head was full of music looking for a way out. Eddie was always a metal fan but tempered his love of Ozzy and Slayer with his love of the Bible. He quoted from it often. Born and bred in a sea of green, he was one of the few who were vocal Dallas Cowboy fans.
He is survived by a son, Zachary, and his brother, Larry, and was predeceased by parents, Lewis and Mary. Services were held at Daley Life Celebration Studio, Swedesboro. Tell a great story of Ed at lifecelebrationstudio.com.
